title: [The effect of low dose methotrexate on the course of rheumatoid arthritis--four years of observation].
abstract: Ninety-six patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis were treated with methotrexate for 48 months. We analyzed the effect of low doses of methotrexate (7.5-15 mg weekly) on the activity of the disease and on the progression in damage score. Clinical improvement was observed few weeks after the study was introduced. Following 48 months observation only 32 (33%) remained in the study. Seven of them needed additionally prednisone administration. In 64 (67%) patients the drug was withdrawn: in 18 (19%) due to the side effects, in 24 (25%) due to the lack of effectiveness, in 22 (23%) due to other reasons. Methotrexate did not affect the progression of damage score in our patients. Methotrexate appeared to be usefull drug in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, however clinical improvement was observed only during drug administration. After discontinuous of the therapy a flare of the disease was observed.
authors.affiliation: Kliniki Reumatologii Instytutu Chorób Wewnetrznych Akademii Medycznej, Poznaniu.
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Lacki
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Mackiewicz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018450:Disease Progression; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D004008:Diclofenac; D011241:Prednisone; D008727:Methotrexate
vernacular_title: Wpływ niskich dawek metotreksatu na przebieg reumatoidalnego zapalenia stawów--czteroletnia obserwacja.